Talon relaxed and gave himself a smile before replying.
“Killing Zachanian’s is not why I am here Ganasis, I ignored his remarks as they were spoken from the mouth of an enraged man, and to act on his insults would have given his words merit. It would have given him the belief that he was right and regardless of his actions I still want him on the field with me; I still have faith in his abilities.”
“There is wisdom in what you say Talon but answer me this, if you have faith in his abilities as a General then do you have respect for Lagain as a soldier.” asked Ganasis pointing out that Lagain must be trusted to carry out orders even more so when he does not agree with them.
“Yes Ganasis he has my respect as a soldier.”
“Ar you say respect my friend but Lagain reached for his sword, do not let your respect for him be used as a weakness.”
Talon smiled back at Ganasis.
“Relax my friend, Lagain is not the enemy.” added Talon sounding calm.
Ganasis nodded back to him slightly as he did not want to push the subject any further but in his old wizards mind he could not help feeling that the General would bring more trouble to Talon’s door.
In Zanlia the news of the Empires defeat and retreat was not taken too kindly, General Krustov was in the middle of reprimanding some of his Colonel’s when General Sanda barged into the room with outrage on his face.
“It is confirmed Krustov, we have been obliterated by the Zachanian’s on the Zachanian border, it is a devastating defeat!”
Krustov turned away from his colonels with a shocked look on his face; he paused before biting his lip and then replied increasing his voice with anger.
“We will crush them for this outrage!” he shouted before kicking a chair into the air.
“How many soldiers do we have here sir?” Sanda replied asking of the military strength in Zanlia.
“Over three hundred and fifty thousand men we have, many of which are in the surrounding hills.”
“Ready for battle?”
“Yes Sanda they are.”
“Have we received any orders from Kallick town or the Palace Lands?”
“I have sent news of the defeat but we have received no reply.”
“So we wait for our orders then.”
“Yes but I want the armies put on the highest state of alert, I want to know the moment one Zachanian soldier even looks in the direction of Zanlia.”
“The first reports I have is that they are not advancing north.”
General Krustov sighed slightly showing a little relief before sitting down behind his desk; he then stared up at the ceiling in thought, then after a few moments gave his reply.
“If they’re not coming north then where are they going?”
“South maybe.” shrugged General Sanda.
“South, why? There is nothing there, what I would do if I was them is stronghold my position, secure the ground they have won today, that would be the prudent action.”
“If I had an army on the run General I would push my advantage, I would drive them back until they had nowhere to go.”
“No Sanda they know our numbers are vast in Zanlia, no they will build on what they have won today, and from Death Valley they can launch attacks across the whole of Kratos.”
General Krustov then frantically searched one of the draws of his desk where after a few moment he pulled out a map of Kratos, he unrolled the map and placed a book at either end to stop it from curling back up.
“This is where death valley is and this is where we are in Zanlia, I would say what’s left of our defeated army today will be about here.” he said pointing to spot on the map.
“That would be a good guess.”
“I want you to send word for them to hold their position on the outskirts of Zanlia.”
“I will send an order General.” Sanda replied before hesitating.
“I understand that Grarlin was at the battle.” he added sounding cautious.
“I believe he was.” replied Krustov.
“Is there any news from him?”
Krustov did not answer only shook his head to say there was not.
“Could he have been killed?”
Again Krustov remained silent and just shrugged his shoulders before he replied,
We will just make our preparations Sanda, what else can we do, I want our armies ready for any actions we decide, one thing is certain though, by the end of this day we will have many more questions to ask and answer.”
King Arun was in fine spirits as he toasted the victory from his headquarters on the Zachanian side of Death Valley.
“A Monumental victory!” shouted Lord Makros Zargar getting to his feet and raising his drink.
“Victory!” added General Lagain who was also present.
The King raised his own drink as he got to his feet and asked for quiet.
“For centuries our ancestors have waited for their sons to spill the Empires blood, that day has now come gentlemen, that day is today, and it is the beginning of spilling their blood, today we have sent a message to the emperor that Zachania is back, gentleman I give you victory and the beginning.”
“The beginning!” shouted Lord Zargar sternly.
“here here!” added Lagain remaining in his chair before each man downed there drink, Lord Zargar then belched loudly and slammed his empty jug on the table.
“I doubt a jug of ale has ever tasted so good!” he snapped making the King smile before he noticed a troubled look on the face of General Lagain.
“What is wrong Lagain? Are you not pleased with the victory or is it the ale which brings coldness to your eyes.” asked the King.
Lagain stiffened in his chair and hesitated in replying as he thought of how he was going to say what he wanted to say, which seemed to annoy Lord Zargar.
“Well Lagain! Your King has asked you question! Share what is troubling you for I have no patience for a man he keeps his thoughts secret from his friends.”
After a brief glimpse towards Zargar, Lagain returned his attention back to the King.
“Sire today I brought you news of a great victory, I was present at that battle and I stood in the battlefield proud to be a Zachanian, but I saw things that have made me question if that pride is shared amongst some of your commanders.”
“What are you saying?” interrupted the King looking concerned and surprised.
“Two of your commanders were more concerned with saving the lives of the Empire rather than pushing our advantage upon them and spilling their blood.”
“Who are you speaking about?” interrupted Zargar.
“Sire, I speak of the wizard Ganasis and the so called Zararhakzar, the one called Talon.”
The King sat motionless for a moment as he took in what he had just been told, then suddenly he rose quickly from his chair and reached for his sword and then pointed it at Lagain.
“HOW DARE YOU SPEAK TO ME WITH SUCH INSOLENCE? The men you speak of are my trusted friends.” the King shouted clearly showing his fury.
General Lagain jumped from his own chair and cowered back a few steps which made Lord Zargar jump up and stand between him and the King.
“It is true sire.” Lagain pleaded.
“HOW DARE YOU!” shouted the King which made Zargar intervene.
“My liege!” the Lord said as if trying to calm the King who was still enraged.
“I will not stand here and listen to poisonous accusations about Lord Talon and Ganasis, those two men risked their lives today.”
Lord Zargar nodded affectionately back at his King before he reached out and grabbed the King’s arm, drawing closer he whispered to him.
“Sire… Arun, you are now King my friend, you are now the leaders of leaders, the wisest of the wise, regardless of what your personnel feelings are, it is your duty to hear what your subjects say, Lagain is a General in your army my liege, you must give him the due respect.”
King Arun slowly reverted his gaze from Lagain
to Zargar as he calmed his breathing and tried to relax, he looked at his Lord and realised that what he was saying was true and that his own views must always come second to duty, Arun placed his sword back onto the table, picked up his chair and sat back down, Zargar sighed a sigh of relief before turning to Lagain who was now by the door looking as if he was ready to make a quick escape had the King lunged at him with his sword, Zargar pointed for Lagain to return to his seat.
“Take your seat General and tell us what you have to say.”
Apprehensively the General made his way back to his chair where he now spoke in a much lower and less arrogant tone of voice.
“Sire what I say I speak the truth, when we were on the battlefield Talon ordered mercy for the Empires soldiers. We had them beaten and cornered, we were putting them to their death when Talon personally told me that he would kill any Zachanian soldier who carried out his duty to kill the Empires soldiers, Ganasis also agreed with him.”
The King paused as he mulled over what Lagain had just said to him.
“Talon said to you that he would kill Zachanian soldiers.” the King then answered.
“That were his words sire.” replied Lagain.
“I say bring Talon here then Lagain can say these accusations to his face” added Lord Zargar to the King.
“That is exactly what we will do.” King Arun snapped back before turning back to General Lagain.
“I will allow you to put these accusations to Talon and Ganasis before me and the council General, personally I do not believe you are telling us the full story but what I believe personally does not hold weight here. As a General in my army you have the right or authority to bring matters before the council, something is missing here but you will have your chance to prove what you are saying and Talon and Ganasis will have that same right to answer your accusations.”
“Thank you sire.” replied Lagain now once again talking in an arrogant tone of voice.
“I will send word for you as soon as I have spoken to Talon.”
“I thank you again my liege.”
“Now leave us you have sullied the mood enough for one day” replied the King abruptly.
“As you wish sire.” replied Lagain raising to his feet and leaving.
King Arun banged the table hard and grabbed another jug of ale which he drank down in one attempt.
“Thank you Makros for calming me, for a moment I forgot myself.”
“Arun no thanks are necessary, a Kings crown is not an easy weight to bear my friend.”
“And what I must do next will bear the heaviest weight, DAMN IT!” the King replied again banging the table.
“DAMN IT!” again added the King “after a day like today I must now charge the two men responsible for our victory.”
“Lagain is hiding something Arun, Talon and Ganasis are not traitors, you know that.”
“Of course I know that but as King I must act accordingly.”
“Do not let it grieve you Arun, both Talon and Ganasis will understand, the truth will prevail.”
“Understand or not it makes me feel disloyal Makros, they bring me a great victory and for their reward I charge them to prove their innocence before the council and the words of a lying General” replied Arun now angered.
“Arun as King you have to respect the word of your Generals, the rank of General is shrouded in honour, they are men of truth and loyalty to their King or Lords, we have no option in this matter, if Lagain wishes to address the council then that is what must happen.”
As Talon and Ganasis rode into the border camp on the Zachanian side of Death Valley they were totally oblivious to all the fuss that was awaiting them, the two men dismounted there horses and entered the King’s tents.
“I can’t wait to see the look on Arun’s face” Talon remarked smiling to Ganasis as they walked into his company.
“What’s wrong? Have you not heard?” Talon said surprised as he saw the solemn look on the King’s face.
The King then rose to his feet and walked towards Talon.
“I am sorry but I must place you both on a charge for incitement for rebellion.”
“WHAT!” snapped Ganasis in shock and anger?
King Arun closed his eyes for a moment before asking the both of them to be seated, the King then swallowed deeply and sincerely he began to speak.
“Talon, General Lagain came to us today and put forward these accusations forward, he has said your actions have put Zachanian lives at risk, he has asked for his right to challenge you before the council, believe me it breaks my heart to bring this to you, but as your King and upholder of the laws of Zachania my hands are tied on this matter.”
“This is an outrage Arun!” replied Ganasis furiously.
“This was not the King’s wish Ganasis.” added Lord Zargar defending Arun.
“Arun all I did was give an order that we will take prisoner’s if any man wishes to surrender, how this can risk the safety of our men is beyond my response.” added Talon with a very stern look on his face.
“Talon, by the gods I know these accusations are unfounded, but by Zachanian law I must act on what has been said, no one especially me is beyond the law.”
“I understand that Arun but does it have to be so formal, can we not have a discussion between ourselves like men about this rather than drag us before the council like common criminals.” snapped Ganasis.
“Are we to be bound and locked up as well Arun?” added Talon.
The King shook his head gently before replying.
“No Talon you will not, we will have a discreet meeting of the council where I am sure you will show your innocence.”
“Show my innocence! I bring you a vic” Talon started replying only for Ganasis to interrupt him by grabbing his arm.
“Talon listen to Arun, he is your friend, this is a code of behaviour that has to be adhered to, as king it’s his only action Talon.I think Lagain knew what he was doing when he rode back here, he knew that the King would have no option other than charge you, and that in his mind is his way of getting back at you, I have heard that Lagain is a very ambitious man and detests anyone who stands in his way.”
“I have not stood in his way Ganasis.”
“Yes Talon you did, in Lagain’s determined mind you corrected him and ordered him to obey.” added Ganasis.
“Talon” interrupted the King as leaned in closer.
“Let us call this meeting tomorrow morning, then we can deal with this matter swiftly and move onto more important issues.”
“The sooner the better!” snapped Ganasis still showing signs of frustration.
A silence then fell over the room as Talon leaned back into his chair and sighed loudly, the King and Ganasis could see that he was deep in thought.
“OK Talon it will be over by noon tomorrow.” added Ganasis who was trying to reassure him.
“No Ganasis it is not ok, I will not give testimony.”
“Talon you must address the council!” replied the King sounding concerned.
“Talon, it is your chance to prove your innocence!” added Lord Zargar.
Talon half smiled and shook his head slightly before rising to his feet.
“I will not stand and be accused of false accusations, I will not degrade myself and prove my actions and I will not humble myself because of a twisted lie.”
Lord Zargar also rose to his feet.
“Lord Talon, you must give your side of the argument to the council, no one here believes you are guilty of this charge and no one will believe it tomorrow but you must comply with the formalities of the council.” he said trying to convince him to see sense.
“My answer is final!” Talon coldly replied.
“Then you will be found guilty of these claims, is that what you want Talon.” added the King.
“Then so be it!” snapped Talon sounding resolute.
Again a strange silence fell onto the room as Arun frustratingly sighed out loud
“Damn i
t! I will change the law, Talon will not have to answer this charge” the King suddenly said out loud revealing his thoughts which made Talon turn and address him.
“Thank you my friend but you cannot do that for me, I will not allow it, the laws of Zachania must stand for every subject.”
“You are the Zararhakzar.” added the King.
“Talon speaks wisely my liege, the council cannot be undermined, it would set a bad precedent.” added Zargar
“There may be a different solution.” Ganasis then suddenly said.
“What is it?” asked King Arun.
“In the ancient laws in times of war, two soldiers who are in dispute can settle their differences in combat. Whoever prevails wins the argument, are we not in a time of war.”
“Yes we are at war!” replied the King who then turned to Talon to see his reaction at what Ganasis had just said, Talon nodded slightly before turning towards the door and then with a determined look on his face he walked out.
King Arun, Zargar and Ganasis quickly rose to their feet and joined Talon outside the tents where Talon looked around to see if he could see Lagain.
Talon then noticed a group of men standing beside some horses, he moved closer where he saw Lagain joking with some of the men, Talon did not hesitate as he walked swiftly towards them with a look of rage on his face, as he reached the men he saw Lagain was still standing with his back towards him, Talon then grabbed Lagain by his neck and pulled him away from the soldiers to an open space of ground where he threw him onto the dirt making him roll several times from the force of Talon’s throw.
“By Zachanian law I challenge you to prove your accusations!” Talon then said to him calmly.
General Lagain smiled as he rose to his feet,
“So the Zararhakzar has come!” he shouted trying to mock Talon as he unbuttoned his tunic readying himself for a fight.
Soldiers quickly began to gather round in anticipation, Lagain had been busy spreading the accusations around the men and now they all stood eager to find out who was telling the truth.
King Arun and Ganasis quickly stood between the two me where the King addressed the crowd that had now gathered.
Zachania Page 38